Abstract
In early 2011, the Rio Tinto — Sebree Works smelter experienced a significant increase (~100ppm) in calcined coke vanadium to levels around 410–440ppm. This was driven by crude oil changes at a refinery supplying one of the primary cokes used in the coke blend supplied to the smelter. The paper discusses the impact of the change on anode quality and carbon consumption and some of the actions taken by the smelter to respond to the change. Data is presented showing the impact on process metrics such as anode consumption, unscheduled anode changes, current efficiency, power consumption, and primary metal quality. The paper shows that changes of this magnitude can be managed with an appropriate understanding of key performance drivers and a focused technical improvement plan.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
L. Edwards, N. Backhouse, H. Darmstadt and M-J. Dion, “Evolution of Anode Grade Coke Quality”, Light Metals, 2012, 1207–1212.
T. Dixon, “US Refining Economics - A Model Based Approach”, Light Metals, 2009, 941–944.
F. Vogt et al, “A Preview of Anode Coke Quality in 2007”, Light Metals, 2004, 489–493.
U. Mannweiler et al, “High Vanadium Venezuelan Petroleum Coke, a Raw Material for the Aluminum Industry”, Light Metals, 1989, 449–454.
G. J. Houston and H. A. Oye, “Reactivity Testing of Anode Carbon Materials”, Light Metals, 1985, 885–899
J. G. Rolle and Y.K. Hang, “Studies of the Impact of Vanadium and Sodium on the Air Reactivity of Coke and Anodes”, Light Metals, 1995, 741–745
C. T. Leach, D. G. Brooks, and R. E. Gehlbach, “Correlation of Coke Properties, Anode Properties, and Carbon Consumption”. Light Metals (1997) pp 481–488
W. Schmidt-Hatting, R. Perruchoud, and J. E. Durgnat, “Influence of Vanadium on Anode Quality and Pot Performance”, Light Metals, 1986, 623–625
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2016 The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Coney, C., Crabtree, L., Gavin, J., Marcrum, W., Weber, A., Edwards, L. (2016). Impact of Higher Vanadium Levels on Smelter Operations. In: Sadler, B.A. (eds) Light Metals 2013. The Minerals, Metals & Materials Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-65136-1_4
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-65136-1_4
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-65135-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-65136-1
eBook Packages: Chemistry and Materials ScienceChemistry and Material Science (R0)